I've been meaning to update on our history studies, but hadn't had a chance to post.  Viking invaders have lain siege to our coffee table!  (Actually it APPEARS invaders have lain siege to the master bedroom too.  We are repainting, and it looks quite ransacked at the moment, but that's another post, and not nearly as exciting as Viking books!)

Viking Quest Series  Raiders from the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, The Invisible Friend, and The Raiders Promise) by Lois Walfried Johnson

Entranced by this series, Kaira has read each book multiple times, and is now fascinated by all things Viking.   Published by Moody Publishers, they are wholesome, yet vividly real with an eternal message woven expertly into the plot and characters. 

Beorn the Proud by Madeleine Polland:

Another great historical fiction adventure published by Bethlehem Books.  Kaira gives this a thumbs up, and so do I. 

The Vikings by Robert Nicholson and Claire Watts

I found this tattered-covered, and much used book at our library. Vivid pictures depict Viking life and the interspersed paragraphs of text are fascinating!

Eric The Red and Leif The Lucky by Barbara Schiller:

This Troll book lacks initial "wow power", but if given a chance, it proves to be a wonderful book!  Don't dismiss it for its unpretentious appearance.  The sepia tone line drawings weren't very dynamic at first glance, but fascinate me more and more the longer I gaze at them.  The text, likewise, doesn't have any initial draw, but after reading just one or two pages the narrative captivates, and draws the reader into the tale of these remarkable father-son adventurers.  I'll be reading this aloud to the children.  A slim 50 page paperback (and half pictures), it will be perfect for a tea-time read.

Over 900 Years ago With the Vikings by Hazel Mary Martell

This book is like a museum visit right on our coffee table.  It is the best kind of museum, with a bit of reenactment, well presented artifacts with informative captions that enable the patron to really envision the civilization depicted, and a tour guide with contagious enthusiasm about the subject matter.  Kendra and I both really liked this book. 

The Usborne Time Traveller Viking Raiders by Anne Civardi and James Graham-Campbell

I've mentioned before that Usborne tends to make me dizzy, but there is a lot of good information on the busy pages of this book.  The reader travels back in time to Knut's farm in Viking Norway.  Because of this book especially, Kendra (5) was able to respectfully disagree with an adult guest who believed all Vikings were raiders.  She explained that the average citizen was likely quite peaceable, and for all the plundering there was a society of farmers and craftsmen back at the fjords.   

Exploring Ancient Civilizations Vikings  by Tracey Ann Shofield

This publication of The Teaching and Learning Company is a rich resource.   Not at all flashy, in black and white, but full of fabulous facts.  (And in fact, nearly every page has a big bold heading over a special paragraph marked, "Fabulous Facts". 

Leif The Lucky by Ingri & Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

D'Aulaire is nearly always excellent.  This is no exception.  A lovely picture book that Keianna can enjoy, but isn't to young for Kaira (or for me). 

How we Know about the Vikings by John and Louise James

Another winner.  I'd read this earlier, but got lost in it again while flipping through to write this mini-review.  Usborne-esque, but much calmer, it is vividly engaging without being overwhelmingly intense.  It would be perfect for the budding archaeologist as alongside the information about the Vikings, it depicts archaeologists and historians unearthing and piecing together the clues to a society!  

The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow by Allen French

Allen French, author of The Red Keep, has another worthy title here.  If we were stopping to explore the Vikings in greater depth, I'd do it as a read aloud.  It really is a bit beyond even my eldest scholar this year for optimal enjoyment as a "read alone."    I enjoyed reading it for my own pleasure and education, and will be happy to yield shelf space for it to await my eager readers in future years.